Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the health benefits of chives, a herb that is both flavorful and nutritious. The following article will explore the culinary and medicinal uses of this versatile plant, as well as provide some delicious recipe ideas to incorporate it into your diet.
The Health Benefits of Chives
Chives are a beloved herb in Vietnamese cuisine, often used to enhance the flavor of fish dishes and mask any unpleasant odors. This versatile herb can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as chopping and mixing with garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil; frying with eggs; or adding to stir-fries. Chives are also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion. In traditional Chinese medicine, chive leaves are believed to have a strong, slightly bitter taste, a spicy and warm nature, and are used to tonify the kidneys, strengthen the spleen, relieve abdominal pain and toothaches, and stimulate urination.
Modern scientific research has revealed that 100g of fresh chive leaves contain an impressive 257% of the daily value of vitamin A and 85mg of vitamin C. Chives are also a rich source of four types of flavonoids, including quercetin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and potential cancer-fighting properties.
With winter being the prime season for chives, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this nutritious ingredient and incorporate it into your family’s meals.
Here is a delicious recipe idea using chives that you can try at home:
Appetizing Dishes Featuring Chives
Stir-fried Fish Stomach with Chives
Fish stomach, typically from the basa fish, is stir-fried with pickled vegetables, creating a fragrant and appetizing dish. The unique texture of the fish stomach, combined with the crispness and slight sourness of the pickled vegetables, makes for a delightful contrast in both taste and texture. The addition of fresh chives enhances the aroma and completely masks any fishy odors.
Beer-steamed Fish with Chives
Steaming fish, such as carp or snakehead, with beer and chives results in a delicious dish with tender, sweet meat. The chives help to eliminate any unpleasant fishy odors, and the addition of beer gives the dish a unique and pleasant flavor.
Stir-fried Potatoes with Chives
– Peel and chop the potatoes into small pieces, then toss them with an appropriate amount of starch. Steam the potatoes until they are cooked through.
– Clean and dry the chives, then cut them into small pieces. Combine the chives and potatoes in a bowl, and mix with a sauce made from garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
During the winter months, enjoying dishes made with chives not only satisfies the taste buds but also provides a rich source of nutrition. The aroma of this herb is reminiscent of a cool breeze on a cold day, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort.
Be sure to include chives in your meals this season to take advantage of their wonderful health benefits and delicious flavor.